Susan Wyndham papers and interviews, 2003-2007

fonds

2003-2007

Textual Records, Graphic Materials, Moving Images, Photographs, Nonmusical Sound Recordings, Oral Histories

1185894

Born in 1977 Aaron McMillan, at 24, became the youngest concert pianist to perform at the Sydney Opera House and had been planning to write a concerto in the style of Schubert. But in 2001 McMillan learned he had a brain tumour the size of an orange. His survival and recovery from that operation was portrayed by ABC TV's Australian Story. He had what neurosurgeon Dr Charlie Teo described as one of the worst tumours he had ever seen, and he came through its removal unscathed and resumed his playing schedule within four weeks of his operation.

In 2004 he developed secondary bone cancer and later spinal tumours were diagnosed. He did not respond to treatment and died in 2007 at the age of 30.

(Source: http://www.abc.net.au/austory/specials/houruponthestage/default.htm)

Charlie Teo was born in 1957 and is a neurosurgeon in Sydney. He and Aaron McMillan developed a close friendship while McMillan was being treated for brain cancer.

Papers relating to the book Life In His Hands: the true story of a neurosurgeon and a pianist by Susan Wyndham (Picador 2008). Together with research and interviews conducted 2003-2007. Includes transcripts of recordings. ABC recording of Australia Story and photographs of Aaron with family and friends.

SERIES 01
Susan Wyndham papers and graphic material, 2003-2007

SERIES 02
Oral history interviews by Susan Wyndham, 2003-2004

This collection is arranged into two series.

Restricted: Prior approval is required for access. Any requests for access will be referred to the Head of Manuscripts
For access to this collection please submit your request through Ask a Librarian

Copyright status:: In copyright
Approval for reproduction required:
Please acknowledge:: Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales and Courtesy Susan Wyndham